Hoodlum

Synopsis

Set in the 1930s during the Prohibition era, Hoodlum follows the story of Ellsworth 'Bumpy' Johnson, an African-American crime boss who becomes a powerful figure in Harlem's underworld. Bumpy faces off against Dutch Schultz and Lucky Luciano, two rival gangsters who are looking to become the predominant force in the illegal alcohol trade. As Bumpy navigates the dangerous criminal landscape and tries to protect his community, he must make strategic alliances and face treacherous betrayals. The movie unfolds a tale of power, loyalty, and betrayal in a time of organized crime and social unrest.

Cast

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  Laurence Fishburne

  Bumpy Johnson

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  Tim Roth

  Dutch Schultz

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  Vanessa Williams

  Francine Hughes

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  Andy García

  Lucky Luciano

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  Cicely Tyson

  Stephanie St. Clair

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  Chi McBride

  Illinois Gordon

Reviews

Hoodlum has received mixed reviews from critics. While some appreciated Laurence Fishburne's strong performance as Bumpy Johnson, others felt that the movie lacked depth and failed to fully explore the complexities of the characters and the historical setting. Rotten Tomatoes gave it a rating of 43%, with the consensus stating that 'Hoodlum has intriguing historical material, but its sluggish pace and derivative story make for a forgettable crime drama.' On IMDb, the movie has a rating of 6.3/10, with some viewers praising the authentic period details and the intense confrontations between the characters. Metacritic rated Hoodlum at 50/100, with critics noting that it fails to deliver a memorable or impactful narrative despite the compelling real-life inspiration.